Summary

Mt. Thompson Crematorium opened in 1934 as Brisbane’s first crematorium. Its placement in the farming district of Mt. Gravatt had been opposed by many local residents who did want what they perceived as an unsightly facility located nearby. But the crematorium’s design featured well-planned columbarium gardens and an ornate chapel featuring sculptures by Daphne Mayo and murals by William Bustard. The first cremation was on 10 September 1934. The crematorium has a War Memorial Wall plus memorial burial plaques to famous Australians – Prime Minister Arthur Fadden and Lieutenant General Sir John Lavarack.

Significance

a) It is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of the City's or local area's history

as Brisbane’s first crematorium.

b) It demonstrates rare, uncommon or endangered aspects of the City's or local area's cultural heritage

as the only Interwar crematorium design in Brisbane.

d) It is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class or classes of cultural places

with its central cluster of pre-1946 crematorium buildings of various types plus gardens.

e) It is important because of its aesthetic significance

particularly with its decorative features produced by prominent Brisbane artists – sculptor Daphne Mayo and painter William Bustard.

f) It is important in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technological achievement at a particular period

reflecting 1930s crematorium design.

g) It has a strong or special association with the life or work of a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons

due to its community War Memorial Wall.

h) It has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in the City's or local area's history

as the final resting places of former Prime Minister Arthur Fadden and former Queensland Governor Lieutenant General Sir John Lavarack.

NOTE: The purpose of this report is
to provide a general reference source of information
about the main historical and descriptive features that
contribute to the cultural significance of the heritage
place. It is based on available evidence and may be
re-assessed if further information becomes available.
It is NOT an official report and does not in any way
replace the official Heritage Register entry, which
can be viewed in the City Plan. A qualified practitioner
should undertake a thorough conservation study of the
heritage place before any action is taken which may
affect its significance as a heritage listed place.
For further information please phone Council on 3403
8888.